50 patients given contaminated heparin

Dutch Health Inspectorate admits a contaminated batch of the anti-coagulant heparin was administered.

11 April 2008

THE NETHERLANDS - The Dutch Health Inspectorate has admitted that a contaminated batch of the anti-coagulant heparin has been used in The Netherlands.

Despite previous assurances, the Inspectorate now says the blood thinner was administered to 50 patients in the Atrium Medical Centre in Heerlen. So far there have been no reports of the allergic reactions associated with the contaminated heparin.

The drug is administered to patients who undergo heart operations and kidney dialysis. In the United States, at least 60 people have died as a result of contaminated heparin being used as part of their treatment.